Writing Tips: Writing Vs. Typing
I know what you are going to say. Why should I write longhand when I can type ten times faster than I can write. Well I am here to defend writing longhand. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is very important to type when you are creating the actual story. But there are times that you should write thing down with a pen on paper.
You see, you can get inspired anywhere. Your computer cannot be everywhere you are. A writing journal can be. I, personally carry a sketchbook with me wherever I go. Being an artist, I like to have something to doodle in. I have found it extremely handy to have when I have a story Idea or a character concept. I turn the sketchbook upside down and start from the back and keep a list of story Ideas, outlines and character notes. This way I can go back later when I am in front of a computer I can start typing and expanding on those ideas.
I also find time that I want to write something that I don’t ever intend other people to read… something that might be a little to personal to share. These are the times that just start writing and stop when my inspirations end. If I use it later in something that might be publish-worthy, then I will transfer it to the computer and expand upon it.
I have also found that a brain dump is very useful when you have a pen and paper. This is good when you are sitting alone in a low lit room with no distractions. Just put your pen to the paper and write the words that fall out of your brain. I find that the string of words never makes any sense and usually it lacks any punctuation. Who knows, maybe later I will read them and something might grow from the ideas that unintentionally came out.
As for typing, it is very important to have a quiet time to type what you have written (or even something totally new). When you have access to a computer, use it. It is an indispensable tool and should be taken advantage of when available. This is when the massive number of words are written and novels can form into masterpieces (or at least a crappy first draft).
Whether you longhand or type, just make sure you write. Writing is what is most important.
See More Writing Tips.
If you have other ideas on how to find story ideas, write a comment. I would love to hear how you are inspired.
